Residents across the north have spoken of their fury after the council used gallons of weed killer to “destroy” several grassy areas in the region.
The substance has burned away the grass in public areas in Inverness, Culloden, Brora and Tain.
Jade Mackinnon, 33, lives on Raigmore Estate and says she is “disgusted” by the mess which she says is making the area “look a state”.
She said: “I’m devastated about it all to be honest.
“They’ve even sprayed round the monkey puzzle tree that’s stood for over 50 years and I’m sure that won’t be good for it. It’s shocking.
“I’m just disgusted by it. I live in Raigmore Estate which has a great community council and charity who have been clearing paths when the council haven’t and I’m almost positive that if the council put this to any community before carrying out the work everyone would have agreed this was a terrible idea.”
In an effort to raise awareness of the problem, she posted multiple images of the damage on social media – leading to dozens of remarks from fellow residents.
Various users said their ‘dogs paws were all burnt sore’ leaving vets to believe the substance was to blame.
Meanwhile, another resident said it was a “joke” as “that’s what we pay our council tax for”.
Inverness councillor Ian Brown said he is looking for clarification from the council surrounding the implications of the substance which he says has left a “terrible” mess.
He said: “There is a lot of grass at Raigmore estate and what you are looking at now – your eyes are drawn to the edging so that’s disappointing. I don’t understand why they have killed the grass off rather than just the weeds because the weeds are on the pavement, not on the grass itself. It looks like it has been done at speed.
“It doesn’t look good but I can understand why the council are doing it because of the financial situation but the visual impact isn’t good.
All you notice is the dead edging round every bit of grass and the concern is for people who are concerned for their pets.
“I will be looking for clarification from the council surrounding the health implications for obviously the community at large and their pets and the wildlife of course. I will be very surprised if it’s not pet friendly. Also, I will be looking for clarification on why they are killing the grass off not just the weeds.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “With limited resources the use of weedkilling along fence lines/edge of pavements and around obstacles like lampposts allows for a larger, quicker machine to cut grass closer to these edges. This facilitates labour savings and is safer for our operatives.
“There is no obligation to advise of weed killing taking place and due the length of distance that may be covered in one application it would be logistically impossible to signpost large areas. Grass edges and obstacles are treated with chemicals that are not harmful to animals or humans and are in line with EU regulations. They are the same products readily available for sale to householders for use in their own properties and gardens.”
